Ex-Gov Ortom’s Vehicle Allegedly Used by Peter Obi in Benue Sparks Controversy

The alleged use of a vehicle linked to former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, during his recent visit to Makurdi has sparked questions over the political relationship between the two politicians.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tersoo Kula, raised the questions on Friday while addressing journalists at the Benue State Government House, Makurdi.

Kula said the state government had commenced an investigation into circumstances surrounding Obi’s movement in and out of Benue following reports of an alleged attempt to restrict his movement during the visit.

According to him, preliminary findings indicated that the Toyota Land Cruiser used to convey Obi from the Makurdi Airport was allegedly registered to Ortom.

He identified the vehicle as a Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number ABUJA: GWA 608 BT.

Kula said vehicle information purportedly obtained from Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) records showed that the vehicle was registered to Ortom and associated with an address in Judges Quarters, Makurdi.

He also presented other details which he said were contained in the FRSC records, including the vehicle’s make, model, chassis number and application date.

The governor’s spokesman said the development had raised questions about the relationship between Ortom and Obi, particularly against the backdrop of Ortom’s reported support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

“The question is, how can someone who publicly says he is working for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu make his vehicle available for the use of another presidential candidate?” Kula asked.

He also referred to Ortom’s continued influence in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue and his alleged involvement in the emergence of Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, as the party’s governorship candidate.

Kula further criticised Ortom’s eight-year administration, accusing the former governor of maladministration and alleging that he was seeking to retain political influence through political allies and proxies.

He urged Benue residents to pay attention to emerging political alliances and activities as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

However, the allegations made during the briefing had not been independently confirmed by Ortom or his representatives as of the time of filing this report.